he played six seasons in the pros, five with the san francisco 49ers and one with the oakland raiders. >> i love football. football provided me experiences and opportunities that i wouldn't trade for anything else. and at the same time, the cost was great in asking me to not speak candidly or be able to be open about myself in this complete manner. >> reporter: harris is gay. he said he's always known this but concealed it until recently. >> i wasn't publicly out until -- until about -- i don't know, beginning of the super bowl when publicized. >> reporter: it was publicized after an alleged altercation with an exboyfriend outside of a restaurant. not long after, a current 49er made this comment on arty lange's radio show. >> the gay people have to get up out of there if they're gay. >> he ultimately apologized but the sentiment is not uncommon in the sports world. last season a toronto shortstop was suspended for three games for gay slur written in spanish in the grease under his eyes. he apologized as well. it explains why no player in any the four major male professional sports in